Deadly sea snake spotted on Illawarra beach

A caller to 97.3 ABC Illawarra Breakfast alerted us to one particular species, the sea snake, which was seen enjoying a sunrise on the shore at Warilla beach, south of Wollongong on the NSW South Coast.

Stretching only 25 centimetres with black scales and a striking, bright yellow strip, this marine dwelling reptile is extremely venomous.

Half of their body is made up of one lung, which allows the serpent to spend 40 minutes underwater, lasting only on one breath.

If you come across a sea snake, it's best not to approach, touch or aggravate the creature as often they come up on the shore to rest, before making their way back into their natural ocean habitat.

For more information or to alert someone of a sighting, contact WIRES on 13 000 WIRES or your local National Parks and Wildlife Service.